Modglin hurls Scott City to 9-0 victory over Sikeston

SCOTT CITY -- On a day like Tuesday, when the wind was whipping around the Scott City baseball field, just putting a ball in play could lead to crazy outcomes.

But putting the ball in play against Scott City senior Ryan Modglin isn't that easy.

Modglin struck out 12 batters and allowed just three hits in six innings of a 9-0 victory against Class 3 perennial power Sikeston for the Rams' first win against the Bulldogs that anyone could recall.

"As long as I can remember, that's the first time we've beat them in a long time," Scott City coach Lance Amick said. "They're the premier program in this area for years. It's just nice to be part of something that can beat that."

Sikeston leadoff hitter Scott Droddy, who hit a team-best .463 for the district champions a year ago, knew his team was in for a challenge against Modglin.

"He had his stuff today," Droddy said. "I played with him in summer ball and I knew he was going to throw hard. I tip my hat to him. He's probably the best pitcher we'll see this year."

Sikeston ended the game with four hits -- the same total as Scott City (3-0). Two of the Rams' hits left the park, however. The Bulldogs (0-1) also made four errors in their opener and surrendered 11 walks while receiving just three.

That last stat is a big change from last year, when Modglin allowed one hit in six innings and struck out eight but walked 11 in a 4-3 loss to Sikeston.

Modglin went on to have a pretty good year in leading the Rams to a Class 2 district title.

"Everybody expected Ryan to come out after taking a year off and just be perfect," Amick said, referring to a serious injury that kept Modglin from playing as a sophomore. "I thought their expectations were a little high. I enjoyed everything Ryan did last year and was just amazed at his high performance.

"This year, he spent a solid offseason working hard and put the time into preparing, and we're seeing what he can do. He's off to a good start. I'm happy for him."

Modglin (2-0) stranded seven baserunners, including three in the fifth inning. He struck out the side in order in the first inning, and benefited from flawless defense behind him.

Third baseman Cody Page was solid on three grounders over the final two innings. Shae Simmons handled six balls, including the final out on a wind-blown high pop-up to end the game with Josh Henson on the mound.

"It was bad today," Simmons said of the wind. "There were a lot of misjudged pop-ups on both sides."

The Rams only dropped one, in the seventh inning with the game all but over.

Sikeston dropped a high infield fly out in the first inning that helped two runners advance into scoring position for another dropped pop fly that allowed them to score. Those errors, along with three walks and a passed ball, gave Scott City a 3-0 lead without a hit.

In the third, Scott City erupted for six runs with two homers. Modglin, the only player to end the day with two hits, crushed a blow to right-center to lead off the inning.

"Everybody talks about his pitching, but he's a pretty solid hitter, too," Amick said. "I'd take him on my team."

After four walks, an RBI single by Jake Campbell and an error that led to a run, Simmons cracked a three-run home run.

Two of Scott City's three wins have come against larger schools, including the opening win against Class 4 Jackson in which Modglin was impressive.

"I think it lets people know we're for real," Simmons said, "that we're coming to play."

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@z_agate_no tab_no indnt_bld ld:WP -- Ryan Modglin, 2-0. LP -- Seth Baker, 0-1. 2B -- Baker (S), Vince Howard (S). HR -- Modglin (SC), Shae Simmons (SC). Multiple hits -- Modglin 2-3. Records -- Scott City 3-0, Sikeston 0-1.